After 50 years, Cheap Trick still looked great, sounded great, and delivered the goods, leaving 13 quarts of sweat on stage in the process.

Year in and year out, author and nearly 20-year Ink 19 staff writer Christopher Long remains committed to the discovery and mass consumption of new music. In this rockin’ year-end roundup, Chris reveals his Video Jukebox Playlist of songs that thwacked him hardest in 2025.

Yes, you can find vinyl bargains out there. You’ve just got to keep your eyes open. And this week, Christopher Long discovers a real deal: a $5 vinyl copy of Montrose, the 1973 debut record from rock powerhouse, Montrose.

All Washed Up (BMG). Review by Christopher Long.

Xtra Cherries (Cleopatra Records). Review by Christopher Long.

Almost Fiction (Phase 2 Records). Review by Christopher Long.

The leaves were turning gold and the air was getting crisp when Christopher Long visited a legit record joint in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. While perusing the “back room,” he spotted and snatched up a vinyl copy of One On One, the 1982 studio set from Cheap Trick, for two bucks.

Is it really Foreigner with no original members? Roi J. Tamkin catches a Georgia stop along the tour that marks the 40th anniversary of Foreigner’s 4.

As individuals, Jay Som and Palehound each have their musical quirks and unique style. Together as Bachelor they plot a strange new course through the realm of dream pop.

In Another World (BMG). Review by Christopher Long.

New Haven CT. Makes a pretty sound argument it’s pizza is better than New York or Chicago. And Detroit? Please. Have some respect.

Origins, Vol. 2 (Entertainment One (eOne)). Review by Christopher Long.

Fake Names (Epitaph). Review by Scott Adams.

Endure (Pravda). Review by Bob Pomeroy.

AM/FM. Review by Stacey Zering.

Pre-Teenage Symphony (Omnivore Recordings ). Review by James Mann.

While his polyester-clad contemporaries were cheering Thatcher and Reagan, Sir George Martin was producing Ultravox. Steve Stav remembers the legendary producer.

Geezër brought their old-school show all the way from their Miami rest home, and Julius C. Lacking thinks they were quite spry.

Red Light District (Ultradose). Review by Carl F Gauze.

The legendary REO Speedwagon joined forces with Cheap Trick’s Robin Zander to converge on Melbourne, FL’s King Center and deliver a true blue rock and roll spectacle of epic proportions.